CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2024 MINUTES FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2024 The Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Regular Meeting on Friday, March 8, 2024, at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Building 500, Austin TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission Chair Jolsna Thomas Commissioner Melissa Rogers Staff in Attendance: Jaclyn Gerban, Attorney Matthew Chustz, Civil Service Manager Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator Sarah Williams, Civil Service Coordinator Tymber Dhans, Civil Service Coordinator CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Special Called Meeting of January 18, 2024. The minutes from the Special Called Meeting of January 18, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Rogers’ motion, Chair Thomas’ second on a 2-0 vote. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Hear and rule on two appeals from the Austin-Travis County Emergency Medical Services (ATCEMS) Clinical Specialist-Field written promotional examination administered on February 20, 2024, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143.034 and Rule 7 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. Commissioner Roger moved to deny the appeal of exam question 40 and keep the answer as keyed. Chair Thomas seconded the motion. The motion to deny the appeal of question 40 was approved on a 2-0 vote. Commissioner Rogers moved to approve the appeal of exam question 53 and accept all answers as correct. Chair Thomas seconded the motion. The motion to approve the appeal of question 53 and accept all answers was approved on a 2-0 vote. 3. Discussion and possible action regarding future meeting dates and times. Discussion was held regarding future meeting dates and times. STAFF BRIEFINGS 4. Report from the Civil Service Office regarding exam processes, disciplinary hearings, and fitness-for-duty actions. Civil Service Coordinators Cyndi Gordon, Tymber Dhans, and Sarah Williams delivered the briefing to the Commission with Municipal and Civil Service Manager Matthew Chustz. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT Chair Thomas made a motion to adjourn the meeting, Commissioner Rogers seconded the motion. The motion was approved …
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2024 MINUTES FOR THE CITY OF AUSTIN FIREFIGHTERS’, POLICE OFFICERS’ AND EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES PERSONNEL’S CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION SPECIAL CALLED MEETING FRIDAY, APRIL 19, 2024 The Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission convened in a Special Called Meeting on Friday, April 19, 2024, at 5202 East Ben White Boulevard, Building 500, Austin TX 78741. Commissioners in Attendance: Commission Chair Jolsna Thomas Commission Vice Chair Farah Ahmed Commissioner Melissa Rogers Staff in Attendance: Jaclyn Gerban, Assistant City Attorney Matthew Chustz, Civil Service Manager Nathan Brown, Assistant Director, HRD CALL TO ORDER Chair Thomas called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Cyndi Gordon, Civil Service Coordinator Sylvester Martin, Civil Service Coordinator Abby Varela, MCS Coordinator None APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Firefighters’, Police Officers’, and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission regular meeting of January 18, 2024. The minutes from the Regular Meeting of March 8, 2024, were approved on Vice Chair Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second on a 3-0 vote. CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES FRIDAY APRIL 19, 2024 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. Hear and rule on appeal(s) from the Austin Police Department Corporal Detective written promotional examination administered on April 5, 2024, pursuant to the Texas Local Government Code Chapter 143.034 and Rule 7 of the City of Austin Fire Fighters’, Police Officers’ and Emergency Medical Services Personnel’s Civil Service Commission Rules and Regulations. The motion to deny the appeal of exam question 1 and keep the answer as keyed was approved on Commissioner Rogers’ motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0 vote. The motion to deny the appeal of exam question 10 and keep the answer as keyed was approved on Vice Chair Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second on a 3-0 vote. The motion to deny the appeal of exam question 12 and keep the answer as keyed was approved on Commissioner Rogers’ motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0 vote. The motion to approve the appeal of exam question 14 and accept all answers as correct was approved on Commissioner Rogers’ motion, Vice Chair Ahmed’s second on a 3-0 vote. The motion to deny the appeal of exam question 18 and keep the answer as keyed was approved on Vice Chair Ahmed’s motion, Commissioner Rogers’ second on a 3-0 vote. The motion to …
PUBLIC NOTICE OF A MEETING TAKE NOTICE OF A BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS REGULAR BOARD MEETING OF THE HOUSING AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF AUSTIN TO BE HELD AT HACA Central Office, 1124 S. Interstate Highway 35 To attend the meeting via ZOOM dial: 1 346 248 7799 Meeting ID: 833 2673 9421 Passcode: 067156 https://bit.ly/3PWLn0q Austin, TX (512.477.4488) Thursday, April 18, 2024 12:00 PM CALL TO ORDER, ROLL CALL CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM Pledge of Allegiance CERTIFICATION OF QUORUM Recognition of the re-appointment of Commissioners Apostolou, Bailey and Richie Public Communication (Note: There will be a three-minute time limitation) Citywide Advisory Board Update Recognition of the Texas NAHRO Award Winners CONSENT AGENDA Items on the Consent Agenda may be removed at the request of any Commissioner and considered at another appropriate time on this agenda. Placement on the Consent Agenda does not limit the possibility of any presentation, discussion, or action at this meeting. Under no circumstances does the Consent Agenda alter any requirements under Chapter 551 of the Texas Government Code, Texas Open Meetings Act. 1. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action regarding the Approval of the Board Minutes Summary for the Board Meeting held on March 21, 2024 CONSENT ITEMS ACTION ITEMS 2. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action regarding Resolution No. 02841: Approval to Renew In-Schools Case Management and Property-Based Tutoring Services 3. Presentation, Discussion, and Possible Action on Resolution No. 02842 by the Board of Commissioners of the Housing Authority of the City of Austin (the “Authority”) to take the following actions with regard to Urban East Apartments Phase II (the “Development”) in Austin, Texas: (i) amend and restate the ground lease covering the site of the Development; and (ii) such other actions necessary or convenient to carry out this Resolution 4. Presentation on Ethics, Responsibilities, and Policies of the Agency EXECUTIVE SESSION The Board may go into Executive Session (close its meeting to the public) Pursuant to: a. 551.071, Texas Gov't Code, consultations with Attorney regarding legal advice, pending or contemplated litigation; or a settlement offer; b. 551.072, Texas Gov't Code, discussion about the purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property; c. 551.074, Texas Gov't Code, discuss the appointment, employment, evaluation, reassignment, duties, discipline, or dismissal of a public officer or employee; or to hear a complaint or charge against an officer or employee. d. 551.087, Texas Gov't Code, discuss certain economic development negotiations. If there is …
Regular Meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission April 17, 2024 — 6:00 pm Austin Energy Headquarters 4815 Mueller Boulevard Austin, Texas Some members may be participating by videoconference. The meeting may be viewed online at: http://www.austintexas.gov/page/watch-atxn-live For more information go to: http://www.austintexas.gov/wwc Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512- 972-0115 or Blanca.Madriz@austintexas.gov . To register to speak in person, people must sign up at least ten minutes before the meeting is called to order. Commissioners: William Moriarty (Mayor) Jesse Penn (District 1) Alex Navarro (District 2) Sabrina Reichert (District 3) Mike Reyes, (District 4) Sam Angoori (District 5) Shwetha Pandurangi (District 6) Judy Musgrove, Vice-Chair (District 7) Christopher Maxwell-Gaines (District 8) Marcela Tuñón Sion (District 9) Susan Turrieta, Chair (District 10) CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL APPROVAL OF MINUTES DISCUSSION AND ACTION 1. Approval of minutes from the March 13, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for crane and boom lift rentals with GAC Equipment, LLC d/b/a Austin Crane Service, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000. 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with United Properties Development, LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $5,077,250 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized wastewater interceptors and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5132 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed mixed-use development located at E. Howard Lane and SH 130. 4. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a cost participation agreement with MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5391R that will provide wastewater service to a proposed multi-family development located at 11911 Burnet Road. (District 7) The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access …
Item 10 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for underwater diving inspections with Chapman Marine Inc., for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,085,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $90,417 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 AMA1090 for these services. The solicitation was issued on March 27, 2023, and it closed on April 20, 2023. Of the six offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide the City with underwater diving inspection services at water treatment facilities and the Longhorn Dam. The diving services are to inspect each facility to determine the general condition of the structures and assess the level of zebra mussel infestation, remove zebra mussels as needed, open and close intake structures, and complete minor repairs. The ability to open and close intake structures is important to respond to changes in water quality and to control the water level. The zebra mussels can reduce or eliminate a plant’s ability to treat water and cause significant equipment damage if they are not removed. The contract will replace a contract which expired December 31, 2023. The requested authorization amounts for the contract were determined using historical spending and departmental estimates, including extending underwater diving service inspections to multiple sites due to the recent infestation of zebra mussels in Lake Travis, Lake Austin, and the Longhorn Dam. Item 10 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, …
Item 11 # 24-4418 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May, 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of a resolution adopting a Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and repealing Resolution No. 20160505-004. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the City Code, Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation) November 29, 2018 – Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (WCP) describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to TCEQ. Austin’s last DCP was approved by Council in 2016. The TCEQ accepted resubmission of the 2016 DCP to fulfill the required update in 2019. Austin is also required by its 2007 agreement with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) to develop a DCP that is in alignment with the targets and goals of LCRA’s Drought Contingency Plan. The LCRA Board of Directors have recently approved various changes to their plan. City staff actively participated in LCRA’s process to update their DCP and have subsequently recommended updates to our plan that include changes in drought trigger levels that align with LCRA’s revisions. In addition to providing input to LCRA’s DCP update process, City staff engaged in several activities aimed at soliciting input from Austin Water …
Item 12 # 24-4419 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval of a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, and repealing Resolution No. 20190411-002. Lead Department Austin Water. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note This item has no fiscal impact. Prior Council Action: May 5, 2016 – Council approved Resolution 20160505-0004, adopting a new Drought Contingency Plan and applicable revisions to the City Code, Chapter 6-4 (Water Conservation). November 29, 2018- Council approved adoption of Water Forward, Austin’s Integrated Water Resource Plan. April 11, 2019 – Council approved Resolution No. 20190411-002, repealing Resolution No. 20140417-004 and adopting the Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan for Municipal and Wholesale Water Use as required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 16, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Resource Management Commission April 17, 2024 – To be reviewed by the Water and Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: Austin is required by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to file a Drought Contingency Plan and a Water Conservation Plan under 30 Texas administrative Code (TAC) 288. A Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) establishes a series of drought stages and the measures to curtail water use during specific times of drought. A Water Conservation Plan (WCP) describes a utility’s water use profile and describes water conservation goals and programs to reduce water use and otherwise increase water use efficiency. These plans are required to be updated on a five-year basis and submitted to TCEQ. Recommended Changes from the 2019 Utility Profile & Water Conservation Plan: • Update data on drinking water and reclaimed water treatment capacity, service area population, and municipal and wholesale water usage to reflect current conditions. • Update information regarding water conservation program activities o Public education and information o Residential customer programs Item 12 # 24-4419 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 o Commercial/multi-family customer programs o Regulatory programs o Water loss mitigation o Reclaimed water and onsite water reuse.
Item 13 # 24-4433 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute an amendment to the contract for engineering services for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project with Halff Associates, Inc., in the amount of $5,500,000, for a revised total contract amount not to exceed $9,000,000. MBE/WBE This amendment will be awarded in compliance with City Code 2-9B (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). Current participation to date is 36.64% DBE. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $5,500,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Contract Amendment. Prior Council Action: August 3, 2017 – Council approved a professional services agreement with Halff Associates, Inc. for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project. November 2, 2023 – Council approved an amendment with Halff Associates, Inc. for the Fallwell Lane Capital Renewal Project. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. November 9, 2022 – Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission. The recommendation was approved on a 6-0 vote on Vice-Chair Castleberry’s motion, Chair Lee’s second with one recusal from Commissioner Penn and Commissioners Navarro and Musgrove absent and two vacancies. Additional Backup Information: On October 31, 2013, and again on October 30, 2015, flood waters severely damaged Fallwell Lane and threatened the raw water intake structure at Austin Energy’s substation, Sand Hill Energy Center. Austin Water’s South Austin Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant in the area east of SH130 also suffered serious damage. Onion Creek flood waters inundated low areas as they flowed into the Colorado River. Bank erosion was severe and extensive restoration and stabilization are required. Item 13 # 24-4433 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Temporary measures have been put in place to allow local traffic to utilize Fallwell Lane. A permanent solution to reconstruct or realign key access roads, retrofit water intake structures, and stabilize berms and channels to guard against flood overflows from Onion Creek is needed to protect critical City infrastructure from future flood events. Based on the Preliminary Engineering Report, a decision was made to separate the project into two phases. Phase A will realign Fallwell Lane, relocate and extend water …
2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Water and Wastewater Commission – April 17, 2024 Kevin Critendon, P.E., Assistant Director Agenda Water Supply Planning Overview Proposed Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Next Steps 2 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Colorado River • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre- feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 3 What plans and why do we need them? Texas utilities must provide a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) every 5 years WCPs identify programmatic activities aimed at reducing overall water consumption and improve water use efficiency 4 DCPs identify water supply triggers and related drought response activities How are these plans different? Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Plan for all weather conditions Focuses on drought conditions Describes Describes • Utility and water use information • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss reduction • Reuse activities Includes water consumption and water loss • Drought Stages • Drought Triggers (demand and supply) • Drought Actions & Restrictions Must be consistent with the LCRA DCP Requires Chapter 6-4 changes goals 5 How does this work regionally with our water supply partner? LCRAs Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) AWs DCP aligns with LCRAs DCP LCRA recently updated its DCP on March 26, 2024 LCRAs significant updates include: • Adjusting drought trigger levels (From 4 stages to 5 stages) • Adding LCRAs inflow trigger for Drought Stage 2 • Adding specific drought condition water use restrictions 6 Austin’s Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Public education & outreach Residential assistance Incentive programs Regulatory programs Water loss reduction Water reuse 7 2024 WCP Updates Updated program activity and water savings Increased integration with My ATX Water Updated Conservation Goals and Water Loss goals 8 2024 WCP Proposed Goals Based on a 5-year average and measure attainable achievements and updated targets for: • Total Population Gallons Per Capita per Day (GPCD) reduction of water use • Residential Gallons Per …
Item 2 # 24-4279 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for crane and boom lift rentals with GAC Equipment, LLC d/b/a Austin Crane Service, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $258,334 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 MZJ1014-REBID for these services. The solicitation was issued on September 18, 2023, and closed on October 24, 2023. Of the three offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide Austin Water with vital access to industrial crane and boom lift rental services. These services are indispensable for the safe lifting, loading, transportation, and unloading of large, heavy utility equipment, and materials as needed. The availability of these services is critical to the timely and successful completion of both ongoing and upcoming projects, crucial for upholding system reliability. This contract will replace a previous contract that expired on July 25, 2023. The requested authorization amount is based on previous spending. The recommended contractor is not the current provider for this service.If a contract is not secured, it will impede the department’s ability to handle essential tasks efficiently and safely, potentially leading to project delays and increased costs due to alternative sourcing solutions. Furthermore, it will compromise the reliability of the system and can Item 2 # 24-4279 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 lead to public health and safety issues due to projects and repairs …
Item 3 # 24-4299 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with United Properties Development, LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $5,077,250 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized wastewater interceptors and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5132 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed mixed-use development located at E. Howard Lane and SH 130. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The Howard Lane Industrial - West project consists of approximately 94 acres of land located north and south of E. Howard Lane and west of SH 130 (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) 2-mile Extra-Territorial Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Gilleland Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. United Properties Development, LLC (the “Applicant”) is proposing to develop the Property with approximately 398,000 sq. ft. of industrial warehouse space, 8,150 sq. ft. of retail space, 7,700 sq. ft. of restaurant space, and 710 multifamily units. The Applicant requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5132. The Applicant has been delegated authority to act on behalf of three adjacent projects (SER-5133, SER-5260, and SER-5051; the “Adjacent Projects”) to design and construct the common wastewater improvements required to provide wastewater utility service to each respective project. Manville Water Supply Corporation will provide retail water service to the Property and the Adjacent Projects. The Adjacent Projects are comprised of: • SER-5133, which is proposing to develop a 25-acre tract at 13540 Gregg Manor Road with approximately 360,000 sq. ft. of industrial warehouse space. • SER-5260, which is proposing to develop a 127-acre tract at 12829 N. SH 130 with approximately 1,145,000 sq. ft. of industrial warehouse space. • SER-5051, which is proposing to develop 263 acres at 8500-9400 Hill Lane with approximately 460 multi-family units, 177,000 sq. ft. of office …
Item 4 # 24-4300 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: April 18, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a cost participation agreement with MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5391R that will provide wastewater service to a proposed multi-family development located at 11911 Burnet Road. (District 7) Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Capital Budget of Austin Water. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The 11911 Burnet Road project consists of approximately 3.02 acres of land located at 11911 Burnet Road (the “Property”). The Property is located entirely within the City of Austin’s (the “City”) Full- Purpose Jurisdiction, Impact Fee Boundary, Austin Water’s service area for water and wastewater, the Desired Development Zone, and the Walnut Watershed. A map of the property location is attached. MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP (the “Owner”) is proposing to develop approximately 350 multi-family units. The Owner requested that the City provide wastewater utility service to the Property as proposed in Service Extension Request (SER) No. 5391R. Austin Water will provide retail water service to the Property as approved in SER No. 5390. In accordance with Chapter 25-9 of the City Code, the City has asked the Owner to oversize the gravity wastewater main in order to serve additional properties within the Walnut drainage basin consistent with the City’s long range planning goals for this area. If approved by City Council, the City will cost participate in this construction project only to the extent of the City’s proportionate share of the oversized wastewater interceptor. The proposed oversized improvements include construction of approximately 820 feet of 30-inch wastewater interceptor along Burnet Rd to replace the existing 15-inch gravity wastewater main between the existing 42-inch interceptor located northeast of the Property and the existing 12-inch gravity wastewater main at Gracy Farms Lane. The City will reimburse the Owner for an overall total amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for hard costs and soft costs. Hard costs …
Item 5 # 24-4390 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract to provide hydrologic consulting services with Hoffpauir Consulting PLLC, for up to five years, in an amount not to exceed $1,300,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Austin Water Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Environmental, Planning and Development Services, Kevin Critendon Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $108,333 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Professional Service. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide hydrologic consulting services for water rights, water supply, climate and hydrology related matters, and water availability modeling. The contractor will work closely with City staff to help ensure the City has adequate water supply in the future. The services will include analysis pertaining to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) Water Management Plan, integrated water resources planning, water rights applications or amendments, and regional water planning. Hoffpauir Consulting PLLC has worked with the City extensively in the past and has unique, detailed knowledge of the City’s water rights, water supply, and water resource planning. The contractor has also served as a water expert for the City’s legal team in negotiations of critical high-profile matters, such as previous LCRA Water Management Plan revisions and the 2007 settlement agreements with LCRA. The contract will replace a contract which expires July 27, 2024. The recommended contractor is the current provider of these services. The requested authorization amounts were determined by using departmental estimates based on historical spend and contractor’s quote. Item 5 # 24-4390 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 If the City is unable to secure a contract, the City will not have a reliable and continuous source for hydrologic consulting services, significant knowledge and expertise would be lost, and substantial time and expense would be required to familiarize another consultant with the City’s water rights, interests, history, and …
Item 6 # 24-4391 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for sludge tank parts with National Oilwell Varco, LP for a term of one year in an amount not to exceed $141,384. MBE/WBE Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Operations, Ayman Benyamin Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $141,384 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: Sole Source Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide parts to repair a motor and gearbox to a sludge tank. The motor and gearbox rotate the impeller continually and keep the sludge agitated and suspended in a solution to uniformly centrifuge the material, so it can be capable of hauling with sludge trucks. Sludge trucks are not designed to handle pure liquid and would ultimately leak if the motor and gearbox did not rotate the impeller to agitate the sludge in a suspended solution. Handcox Water Treatment Plant (WTP) is equipped with one sludge holding tank, which makes the system a critical and essential part of both the water treatment process as well as the sludge handling process. Should the sludge holding tank system cease to operate, Handcox Water WTP will no longer be able to process sludge effectively or to efficiently dispose of sludge to the Shaw Lane solids disposal site. Contractor is the sole authorized representative for Chemineer Inc., a National Oilwell Varco company, for mixers, Kenics static mixers, parts, service, and training in Texas for municipal markets. This is a new contract. Requested authorization is based on contractor quote for the required repair parts. If a contract is not secured, the sludge tank would not be able to keep the sludge suspended in the solution, causing the sludge trucks to leak from Handcox WTP to the Shaw Lane dump site.
Item 7 # 24-4392 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a contract for the application of diquat dibromide for root control with Duke’s Root Control Inc., for a term of three years in an amount not to exceed $439,484. MBE/WBE Sole source contracts are exempt from the City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women- Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program); therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $85,455 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: Sole Source. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide application of diquat dibromide (Razorooter II) for use in root control for approximately 50,000 linear feet of Austin Water wastewater mains annually. When tree roots grow inside wastewater lines there is the potential of clogging the lines and causing wastewater overflows. The application of Razorooter II is a preventative measure to help reduce sanitary sewer overflows. Razorooter II is patented by the manufacturer Sewer Sciences Inc., and Duke’s Root Control Inc. is the only licensed applicator authorized to perform the application in Texas. There are no other comparable chemicals currently available in the market. The requested authorization amounts for this contract were determined using departmental estimates of planned treatments and historical spending. If a contract is not secured, it will diminish the ability of Austin Water to effectively remove tree roots from the City’s wastewater lines and increase the potential of these lines clogging as well as the possibility of wastewater overflows. The use of Razorooter II has proven to be an effective preventative tool in reducing sanitary sewer overflows.
Item 8 # 24-4395 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for valve assessments with Hydromax USA LLC, for a term of five years for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,775,000. MBE/WBE This solicitation was reviewed for subcontracting opportunities in accordance with City Code Chapter 2-9B (Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program). For the services required for this solicitation, there were no subcontracting opportunities; therefore, no subcontracting goals were established. Lead Department Financial Services Department Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding in the amount of $177,500 is available in the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Operating Budget of Austin Water. Funding for the remaining contract term is contingent upon available funding in future budgets. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 2200 AMA1097 for these services. The solicitation was issued on November 27, 2023, and closed on December 19, 2023. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lowest responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The contract will provide valve assessment services to complete a physical condition assessment of Austin Water valves. Valves are used to completely or partially restrict the flow of water through pipes. The assessment will determine what specific rehabilitation repairs are needed to bring each valve to a fully operable state or which valves require replacement. The assessment and minor repairs of valves located throughout the City will include locating, accessing, marking, and exercising each valve, cleaning out the valve box or vault, global positioning system mapping, reporting, and minor valve repairs. The contract will enable service crews to perform repairs on valves to avoid water loss. If the City is unable to secure a contract, the City valves could potentially not operate properly, increasing inherent risk within the water distribution system, possibly resulting in a higher number of citizens without water, and an increase in potable water loss and higher risk of property damage.
Item 9 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 Posting Language Recommend approval to execute a contract for construction services for the Northwest Austin Booster Stations Improvements with C.C. Carlton Industries, LTD, in the amount of $8,940,800 plus a $894,080 contingency for a total contract amount not to exceed $9,834,880. (Districts 10, 8) MBE/WBE This contract will be awarded in compliance with City Code Chapter 2-9A (Minority Owned and Women Owned Business Enterprise Procurement Program) by meeting the goals with 11.80% MBE and 1.29% WBE participation. Lead Department Financial Services Department. Client Department Austin Water Assistant Director of Engineering Services, Charles Celauro Fiscal Note Funding is available in the Capital Budget of Austin Water. Purchasing Language: The Financial Services Department issued an Invitation for Bids (IFB) 6100 CLMC1004B for these construction services. The solicitation was issued on January 15, 0224, and closed on February 1, 2024. Of the two offers received, the recommended contractor submitted the lower responsive offer. A complete solicitation package, including a tabulation of the bids received, is available for viewing, is available for viewing on the City’s Financial Services, website, Austin Finance Online. Link: Solicitation Document. Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action: April 17, 2024 - To be reviewed by the Water & Wastewater Commission. Additional Backup Information: The three pump station sites in this project were originally constructed by municipal utility districts (MUDs) that were later annexed by the City of Austin. The three pump stations are now operated and maintained by Austin Water. These facilities have reached the end of their useful life and need refurbishment to continue providing reliable service to Austin Water customers. 2006.020 Lookout Lane Pump Station Improvements This project will provide piping modifications to allow isolation of the reservoir for maintenance, additional redundant pumping capacity, and electrical and process equipment improvements to meet current Austin Water standards. 2006.023 Guildford Cove Pump Station Improvements An easement was acquired to allow for two additional hydro-pneumatic tanks to be constructed outside of the pump station to improve resiliency. To reduce noise currently impacting neighbors, Item 9 # 24-4404 Water & Wastewater Commission: April 17, 2024 Council: May 2, 2024 the backup generator will be relocated inside the pump station building. The project will also install a mechanical crane and other pumping equipment inside the pump station building, instrumentation and control improvements to bring controls to current Austin …
CITY OF AUSTIN DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC § 288.20 and § 288.22 Water Conservation Division City of Austin, Texas PWS # 2270001 May 2, 2024 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan Table of Contents SECTION I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent ................... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION II: Background ........................................................................ ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. SECTION III: Trigger Conditions and Goals .................................................................................................... 8 SECTION IV: Drought Response Measures .................................................................................................. 11 SECTION V: Wholesale Contract Provisions ................................................................................................ 20 SECTION VI: Public Involvement ..................................................................................................................... 20 SECTION VII: Public Notification and Education ........................................................................................ 21 SECTION VIII: Coordination with Regional Planning Groups (RPG)...................................................... 21 SECTION IX: TCEQ Notification ....................................................................................................................... 21 SECTION X: Plan Review and Updates .......................................................................................................... 21 APPENDIX A: Water Conservation Code ....................................................................................................... 22 APPENDIX B: Water Conservation Penalty Code ........................................................................................ 23 APPENDIX C: Water Use Triggers for Water Use Management Ordinance .......................................... 24 APPENDIX D: Resolutions In Support of Adoption of The Drought Contingency Plan .................... 25 APPENDIX E: Resolution Adopting The 2024 Drought Contingency Plan ........................................... 26 APPENDIX F: Transmittal Letter to Regional Planning Group ................................................................. 27 APPENDIX F: Public Response to November 2023 Survey ........... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 1 City of Austin Drought Contingency Plan DROUGHT CONTINGENCY PLAN City of Austin, Texas May 2024 Section I: Declaration of Policy, Purpose and Intent The City of Austin (the City) maintains a decades-long commitment to ensuring a sustainable water supply through demand management measures. The latest update to Austin’s Drought Contingency Plan (the Plan) builds upon this legacy. This iteration of the Plan retains all measures from previous versions while incorporating new strategies to better address droughts in the future. Designed as a comprehensive strategy, the Plan focuses on addressing water shortages and emergencies, with specific attention to domestic water use, sanitation, fire protection, and public well-being. In accordance with Section 11.1272 of the Texas Water Code and Chapter 288 of Title 30 of the Texas Administrative Code, the City regularly updates this plan, underscoring the importance of adaptability to evolving water supply dynamics. This document outlines the City's strategic response to challenges posed by demand surges, infrastructure constraints, and droughts, including historical critical droughts. Through coordination with the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), the Drought Contingency Plans of both the LCRA and the City are consistent in terms of targets and goals. The City’s plan is more proactive, including the implementation activities necessary …
Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile CITY OF AUSTIN WATER CONSERVATION PLAN Developed to Meet Requirements Outlined in 30 TAC §288.2 and §288.5 May 2, 2024 Page 1 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Page 2 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Message from the Director Thank you for your interest in Austin’s most precious natural resource: water. The city was founded in the mid-1800s on the banks of the Colorado River to take advantage of that abundant water resource. Our water supply is just as critical today, but now we face unprecedented challenges: record high temperatures, record low flows into the Highland Lakes, water quality concerns, and continued rapid population growth. Together, we can meet these challenges. The City of Austin’s 100-year Water Forward Integrated Water Resources Plan is focused on water conservation and water use efficiency, as well as strategies to strengthen the diversity of Austin’s water supply. Austin has come a long way over the last decade – in 2023, we used essentially the same amount of water as we did in 2011, despite having 140,000 more residents. But the impacts from climate change require us to become even more water-wise and water-efficient. The update of this Water Conservation Plan is required by the State of Texas every five years to provide short-term strategies to address changing conditions. Even more importantly, the update is a necessary part of the city’s future sustainability. This document describes Austin Water’s conservation initiatives, programs, and projects to help residents and businesses increase their water use efficiency. In addition, it describes how Austin Water is maximizing our water supply from the Highland Lakes through conservation and water reuse. Learn more about what you can do to conserve our most precious resource at AustinWater.org. Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E. Austin Water Director Page 3 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Table of Contents Executive Summary 5 Conservation Program History 7 Public Education and Information 9 Residential Customer Programs 11 Commercial Customer Programs 15 Regulatory Programs 17 Metering and Water Loss 20 Water Reuse 23 Water Rates 25 Goals for Water Use and Water Loss 26 Utility Profile 30 System Data 35 Appendices 42 Page 4 of 50 Water Conservation Plan and Utility Profile Executive Summary The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the Texas Water Development Board require an update to the City of Austin’s Water Conservation Plan …
M E M O R A N D U M TO: Mayor and Council Members THROUGH: Robert Goode, P.E., Assistant City Manager FROM: Shay Ralls Roalson, P.E., Director, Austin Water DATE: April 15, 2024 SUBJECT: Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plan Updates We would like to share an overview of Austin Water’s upcoming Recommendations for Council Action, which update both the Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and Drought Contingency Plan (DCP), along with related amendments to the City Code to enforce the plans. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires the City’s WCP and DCP to be updated every five years. Staff have coordinated revisions with changes being made to the Lower Colorado River Authority’s (LCRA) DCP. RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTIONS On May 2, 2024, Austin Water is requesting consideration of the following: • • • Approve a resolution adopting the Water Conservation Plan, as required by the TCEQ, and repeal the resolution for the 2019 Water Conservation Plan. Approve a resolution adopting the Drought Contingency Plan, as required by the TCEQ, and repeal the resolution for the 2016 Drought Contingency Plan. Approve an ordinance amending Austin City Code Chapter 2-13, Chapter 6-4, and Chapter 15-9 to codify necessary changes to enact the updated 2024 Water Conservation Plan and Drought Contingency Plan. BACKGROUND The City of Austin’s 100-year Integrated Water Resources Plan, known as Water Forward, includes a number of strategies to provide for a sustainable water future for Austin, including water conservation and water use efficiency, reclaimed water use, like that of the recently adopted GoPurple Program, and strengthening the diversity of Austin’s water supply. While these plans have always served as an important element to water conservation and water supply planning, they are increasingly important tools as Austin continues to grow and as our region faces a prolonged drought. Current drought conditions have reduced the combined storage of the Highland Lakes to 43% of the available storage when full. The updated WCP and DCP describe current and additional activities to increase water efficiency and reduce water use. Page 1 of 3 WATER CONSERVATION PLAN The WCP provides a description of the activities by Austin Water to conserve water, both in times of plenty and in scarcity. Activities include customer education, incentives, and enforcement; water loss reduction activities; and water reuse, both centralized reclaimed and onsite. In addition to current and expanded conservation activities, the WCP includes goals for 5- …
2024 Water Conservation and Drought Contingency Plans Updates Water and Wastewater Commission – April 17, 2024 Kevin Critendon, P.E., Assistant Director Agenda Water Supply Planning Overview Proposed Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Proposed Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Next Steps 2 Austin’s Water Supply: 325,000 Acre Feet Per Year Colorado River • Combination of State-granted water rights & long-term contract with LCRA • Up to 325,000 acre- feet per year (afy) LCRA reservation & use fees pre-paid in 1999 • Additional use payments trigger when average for 2 consecutive years exceeds 201,000 afy Centralized Reclaimed System 3 What plans and why do we need them? Texas utilities must provide a Water Conservation Plan (WCP) and a Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Required by Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) every 5 years WCPs identify programmatic activities aimed at reducing overall water consumption and improve water use efficiency 4 DCPs identify water supply triggers and related drought response activities How are these plans different? Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) Plan for all weather conditions Focuses on drought conditions Describes Describes • Utility and water use information • Conservation (rebates, education, enforcement) • Water loss reduction • Reuse activities Includes water consumption and water loss • Drought Stages • Drought Triggers (demand and supply) • Drought Actions & Restrictions Must be consistent with the LCRA DCP Requires Chapter 6-4 changes goals 5 How does this work regionally with our water supply partner? LCRAs Drought Contingency Plan (DCP) AWs DCP aligns with LCRAs DCP LCRA recently updated its DCP on March 26, 2024 LCRAs significant updates include: • Adjusting drought trigger levels (From 4 stages to 5 stages) • Adding LCRAs inflow trigger for Drought Stage 2 • Adding specific drought condition water use restrictions 6 Austin’s Water Conservation Plan (WCP) Public education & outreach Residential assistance Incentive programs Regulatory programs Water loss reduction Water reuse 7 2024 WCP Updates Updated program activity and water savings Increased integration with My ATX Water Updated Conservation Goals and Water Loss goals 8 2024 WCP Proposed Goals Based on a 5-year average and measure attainable achievements and updated targets for: • Total Population Gallons Per Capita per Day (GPCD) reduction of water use • Residential Gallons Per …
WATER AND WASTEWATER COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, April 17, 2024 The Water and Wastewater Commission convened in a regular called meeting on April 17, 2024, at Austin Energy Headquarters, 4815 Mueller Boulevard, Austin, Texas. Commissioner Jesse Penn, acting as Chair on behalf of Chair Turrieta and Vice Chair Musgrove called the Water and Wastewater Commission to order at 6:01 p.m. Commission Members in Attendance: William Moriarty (remote), Jesse Penn, Alex Navarro, Sabrina Reichert (remote) Mike Reyes, Sam Angoori, Shwetha Pandurangi, Vice Chair Judy Musgrove (remote), Christopher Maxwell-Gaines, Marcela Tuñón Sion (remote) Commission Members Absent: Chair Susan Turrieta PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL There were no speakers registered to speak. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of minutes from the March 13, 2024, regular meeting of the Water and Wastewater Commission. The minutes from the March 13, 2024, regular meeting were approved on Commissioner Pandurangi’s motion and Commissioner Angoori’s second on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro and Chair Turrieta absent. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 2. Recommend approval to execute a contract for crane and boom lift rentals with GAC Equipment, LLC d/b/a Austin Crane Service, for a term of five years in an amount not to exceed $3,100,000. Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Reyes’ motion and Commissioner Pandurangi’s second on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro and Chair Turrieta absent. 3. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute a cost participation agreement with United Properties Development, LLC for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $5,077,250 for costs associated with the design and construction of oversized wastewater interceptors and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5132 that will provide wastewater service to a proposed mixed-use development located at E. Howard Lane and SH 130. Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner Maxwell- Gaines’ motion and Commissioner Reyes’ second on a 9-0 vote with Commissioners Navarro and Chair Turrieta absent. 4. Recommend approval to negotiate and execute of a cost participation agreement with MFMG – Burnet Austin Project Owner, LP for the City to reimburse the developer for an amount not to exceed $1,012,000 for costs associated with the design and construction of an oversized wastewater main and appurtenances related to Service Extension Request No. 5391R that will provide wastewater service to a proposed multi-family development located at 11911 Burnet Road. (District 7) Recommended by the Water and Wastewater Commission on Commissioner …
SMALL AREA PLANNING JOINT COMMITTEE Wednesday, April 17, 2024 11:30 AM Permitting and Development Center (PDC), Rm. 2004 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Drive Austin, TX 78752 Some members of the Small Area Plan Joint Committee may be participating by video conference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once, either in-person or remotely, and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, call or email the board liaison at 512- 974-3440 or donna.arwood@austintexas.gov. CURRENT COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Alejandra Flores William D. Floyd Betsy Greenberg Patrick B. Howard, Chair Jennifer Mushtaler Alberta Phillips (Planning Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Zoning and Platting Commission) (Planning Commission) (Planning Commission) (Planning Commission) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 3 speakers who sign up by noon (12:00 PM) the day before the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Small Area Planning Joint Committee meeting on June 7, 2023. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 1 2. Discussion and action to elect a Vice-Chair. 3. Discussion and action to approve the 2024 Meeting Schedule. 4. Discussion and action on a recommendation on the South Central Waterfront Combining District and Density Bonus Program (SCWCD). City of Austin Planning Department staff: April Geruso, april.geruso@austintexas.gov, Chad Sharrard, chad.sharrard@austintexas.gov (512-974-8033); Tyler Tripp, tyler.tripp@austintexas.gov (512-974-3362); Mark Walters, mark.walters@austintexas.gov (512-974-7695). 5. Discussion and action on a recommendation on case number C814-2023-0027, 311-315 S. Congress Planned Unit Development. Austin Planning Department staff: Johnathan Tomko, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov, (512-974-1057). DISCUSSION ITEMS FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Mark Walters at the Housing and Planning Department, at 512-974-7695, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Small Area Planning Joint Committee, please contact the liaison, Mark Walters at 512- 974-7695, mark.walters@austintexas.gov; or …
SMALL AREA JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE SPECIAL CALLED MEETING DRAFT MINUTES JUNE 7, 2023 The SMALL AREA JOINT PLANNING COMMITTEE convened in a Special Called Meeting on June 7, 2023, at the Permitting and Development Center, Room 2205, 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. in Austin, Texas. Presiding Officer Howard called the Small Area Joint Planning Committee Meeting to order at 11:38a.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance: Patrick Howard, Presiding Officer Cesar Acosta Ryan Johnson Dave Floyd Nadia Barrera-Ramirez Todd Shaw Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Commissioners Acosta, Barrera-Ramirez, Floyd, Johnson, and Shaw attended remotely. PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No one signed up for public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Small Area Planning Joint Committee Regular Meeting on October 19, 2022. The minutes from the meeting of April 12, 2022, were approved on Commissioner Johnson’s motion, Commissioner Acosta’s second, on a unanimous vote. 1. 1 DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 2. 3. Discussion and possible action to elect a Chair and Vice Chair. On Commissioner Barrera-Ramirez’s motion, Commissioner Acosta’s second, Commissioner Howard was nominated as Chair and unanimously elected to serve. Discussion and possible action developing criteria for selecting future planning areas. Following discussion, a briefing was requested for the next meeting to delve into the details of selection criteria. A copy of the ordinance was requested. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS Elect a vice chair Briefing on District Planning Process Briefing on Equitable Transit Oriented Development (ETOD) program ADJOURNMENT Chair Howard adjourned the meeting at 12:19pm without objection. These minutes approved at the ________meeting on Commissioner X’s motion, Commissioner Y’s second on a _____ vote. 2
South Central Waterfront Combining District & Density Bonus Program Small Area Planning Joint Committee March 21, 2024 History Combining District Density Bonus Program - Bonus Program Opt-in Requirements - Fees-in-Lieu - Additional On-Site Community Benefits Timeline & Ways to Provide Feedback South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan Adopted June 6, 2016 3 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Directed Planning Staff to create regulations supporting implementation of the 2016 South Central Waterfront Vision Framework Plan. Increased development only available through the Density Bonus Maximize community benefits: affordable housing, open space, and Maximize infrastructure investments: new streets, parks, bikeways, Program. public art, etc. and trails. Program to be re-evaluated/updated at least every five years. 4 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a Density Bonus Program “akin” to Downtown. Support Project Connect transit investment. Allow entitlements significant enough to achieve required infrastructure and community benefits. Ensure entitlements meet market demand to account for increased costs and avoid continual requests to amend the code. Create enhanced environmental standards and protections. 5 City Council Resolution 20220915-090 Create a connected, pedestrian-oriented, mixed-use district where “thousands more Austinites can live, work, and play.” 6 Updates / Changes since Council Resolution The SCW regulations will be implemented by: – Council adoption of an optional set of regulations and bonus program through the creation of a Combining District and a Density Bonus Program (spring 2024). – City-initiated rezoning of properties in the district (summer 2024). – Subsequent rezonings and code amendments will be required to add additional properties at a later date. Regulation review will occur sooner than 5 years to account for updated details from Project Connect and citywide density bonus analysis. 7 District Boundary New parcels added that are affected by Project Connect light rail alignment. Project Connect Rail Alignment 8 Combining District Components General Provisions (Policies, procedures, and who can participate) Land Use Standards (Permitted and conditional land uses) Development Standards (What can be built and where) Design Standards (How it will look) Definitions 9 Density Bonus Components Procedures/Requirements “Gate Keeper” Requirements – Affordable Housing – Environmental Protection – Improved Streetscape and Built Environment In-Lieu Fees and Dedications Onsite Community Benefits Eligible for Bonus Area 10 Streets and Light Rail 11 Subdistricts Council approval is required to exceed FAR maximums Project Connect Rail Alignment 12 Critical Water …
ZONING CHANGE REVIEW SHEET CASE: C814-2023-0027 (311-315 South Congress PUD) DISTRICT: 9 ADDRESS: 311, 313, and 315 South Congress Avenue ZONING FROM: CS-1-V-NP TO: PUD-NP SITE AREA: approximately 0.81 acres (approximately 35,283 sq. ft.) PROPERTY OWNER: Bridgestone Firestone (Wesley H Pearson Jr. & Jerry W. Pearson) AGENT: Drenner Group PC (Amanda Swor) CASE MANAGER: Jonathan Tomko (512) 974-1057, jonathan.tomko@austintexas.gov STAFF RECOMMEDATION: Staff recommends granting planned unit development-neighborhood plan (PUD-NP) combining district zoning. For a summary of the basis of Staff’s recommendation, please see the basis of recommendation section below. PLANNING COMMISSION & OTHER COMMISSION ACTION/ RECOMMENDATION: Sep 25, 2023: Case heard by the Parks and Recreation Board, no recommendation Nov 1, 2023: Case Environmental Commission CITY COUNCIL ACTION: TBD ORDINANCE NUMBER: N/A ISSUES: N/A CASE MANAGER COMMENTS: The property in question is currently being utilized as a service garage and office/retail space, both built in 1980 with substantial paved parking lots greater than the size of the structures themselves. The subject tract is approximately 1,500 feet from the recognized central business district of Austin. SITE DEVELOPMENT RE ULATIONS AND CODE MODIFICATIONS: The PUD is subject to the site development regulations associated with the CS Zoning Base District, except as modified on the land use plan and associated notes. The maximum height for the PUD is 4 0 feet in height. Section 25-2-531, height limitations, still apply to the PUD. The maximum floor to area ratio (FAR) in the PUD is 18:1. C814-2023-0027 2 4. Minimum setbacks of the CS base district are reduced to zero feet for the front, rear and side yards. 5. Maximum impervious cover in the PUD shall be 95%. 6. Permitted, conditional and prohibited land uses shall be consistent with the CS base district with the following modifications: The following are additional permitted uses in the PUD: - Multifamily residential - Cocktail lounge (not to exceed 5,000 square feet) The following are conditional uses in the PUD: - Cocktail lounge (exceed 5,000 square feet) The following are prohibited uses in the PUD: - Bed and breakfast residential - Hospital services - Adult-oriented businesses - Automotive rentals - Automotive repair services - Automotive sales - Automotive washing - Bail bond services - Business or trade school - Campground - Commercial blood plasma center - Construction sales and services - Convenience storage - Drop-off recycling collection facility - Electronic testing - Equipment repair services - Equipment sales - …
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, April 17, 2024 – 11:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate by videoconference Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Raymond Castillo, Chair Roxanne Evans Ben Heimsath AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL Speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES Approve the minutes of the Preservation Plan Committee’s regular meeting on March 20, 2024 DISCUSSION ITEMS Debrief from Nuts & Bolts Open House on March 28 Discuss lessons learned and activities for Community Open House on May 23 Preview outreach and activities for Block Party on April 20 Review upcoming outreach about the draft Equity-Based Preservation Plan (board and commission briefings, tabling at community events) Discuss timing for a briefing to the Historic Landmark Commission this summer Brainstorm approaches to revising Equity-Based Preservation Plan this summer 7. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call the board liaison at the Historic Preservation Office at (512) 974-3393 for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711. For more information on the Preservation Plan Committee, please contact Cara Bertron at (512) 974-1446.
HISTORIC LANDMARK COMMISSION PRESERVATION PLAN COMMITTEE Wednesday, March 20, 2024 – 11:00 A.M. Permitting and Development Center, Room 1203 6310 Wilhelmina Delco Dr. Austin, Texas 78752 Some members of the committee may participate by videoconference. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email the board liaison at (512) 974-3393 or preservation@austintexas.gov. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: X abs X Raymond Castillo, Chair Tara Dudley Ben Heimsath DRAFT MINUTES CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL No public communication. APPROVAL OF MINUTES February 21, 2024 (Regular meeting) February 28, 2024 (Special called meeting) 1. 2. MOTION: Approve the minutes from February 21, 2024 & February 28, 2024 by Castillo, Heimsath seconding. Vote: 2-0 DISCUSSION ITEMS 3. Midpoint update from Concept Development & Planning (CD&P) and City staff on community outreach and engagement around the Equity-Based Preservation Plan, Feb. 6 to date. Analyze participation on PublicInput before and after Feb. 6 plan launch Look at locations and demographics of participants to inform future outreach Social media push will begin soon Share community kickoff video more widely Add midpoint update to the Historic Landmark Commission website 4. Review the final meeting plan and draft boards for the Nuts & Bolts Open House on March 28. Focus: historic property owners, professionals who work with historic buildings Direct outreach to all landmark and historic district owners has occurred. Follow up with Hyde Park contacts Capture feedback in exit surveys All open house format, no formal program Ask attendees: What questions do you have? What additional information should we consider? We want people to feel like they’ve been heard, even if they don’t agree with the draft recommendations; we need/want to hear feedback now Discuss outreach and activities for the block party on April 20 Givens Avenue will be blocked off Black Austin Tours will give neighborhood tours Event graphic and flyers ready in early April 6. Review upcoming outreach about the draft plan (board and commission briefings, tabling at community events) April/May events will be broader and more general outreach …
REGULAR CALLED MEETING ELECTRIC BOARD Wednesday April 17, 2024 @ 10:00 AM- In Person PERMITTING DEVELOPMENT CENTER/ 1st FLOOR, CONF RM 1401-1402 6310 WILHELMINA DELCO DR AUSTIN, TEXAS Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely by telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation. To register, contact rick.arzola@austintexas.gov Gabriel Flores-Chair (Fuentes); Delwin Goss (Velasquez); David Johnson- V Chair (Madison), Victoria Shope (R.Alter), Ben Brenneman (A.Alter), Deschaine, David (Pool); CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS: Christian Spies(Kelly); Michael Grant (Qadri); Joel Cochren(Page) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES- 2024. 1. Approve the minutes of the Electrical Board Regular Called Meeting from March 20, DISCUSSION 2.- Electrical Ordinance 80.38-Suspension of Registration- On Hold for additional Updates 3.- Austin Energy- Technical Advisory Panel- How changes are made to the criteria manual and its decision making. 4.- Austin Code- Numbers of Stop Work orders that are being issued in the community. 5.- Commercial Plan Review update on number of submittals and on time ratio and staffing 6.- Service Center update on application turnarounds time and staffing 7.- Commercial and Residential Inspection update on staff vacancies and timely inspections. DISCUSSION AND ACTION 8.- Election of Chair and Vice Chair FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting locations are planned with wheelchair access. If requiring Sign Language Interpreters or alternative formats, please give notice at least 2 days (48 hours) before the meeting date. Please call Rick Arzola at Development Services Department, Building Inspections, at (512) 974-2417, for additional information; TTY users route through Relay Texas at 711.
Regular Called Meeting of the Economic Prosperity Commission Wednesday, April 17, 2024, 6:30pm City Hall, Boards & Commissions Room 1101 301 W. 2nd Street Austin, Texas Some members of the Economic Prosperity Commission may be participating by videoconference. Audio is recorded. Public comment will be allowed in-person or remotely via telephone. Speakers may only register to speak on an item once either in-person or remotely and will be allowed up to three minutes to provide their comments. Registration no later than noon the day before the meeting is required for remote participation by telephone. To register to speak remotely, call or email Cesar Garza and Stephanie Calderon at the Economic Development Department: cesar.garza@austintexas.gov and stephanie.calderon@austintexas.gov or 512-974-8055 (Cesar Garza). CURRENT BOARD MEMBERS/COMMISSIONERS: Laura Dixon, Mayor (Watson) Christiana Ponder, District 1 (Harper- Madison) Benjamin Salazar, District 2 (Fuentes) Raquel Valdez Sanchez, District 3 (Velasquez) Michael Nahas, Vice Chair, District 4 (Vela) Rodrigo Cantu, District 5 (R. Alter) Vacant, District 6 (Kelly) Amy Noel, District 7 (Pool) Luis Osta Lugo, District 8 (Ellis) Vacant, District 9 (Qadri) Kelsey Hitchingham, Chair, District 10 (A. Alter) AGENDA CALL TO ORDER PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL The first 10 speakers signed up prior to the meeting being called to order will each be allowed a three-minute allotment to address their concerns regarding items not posted on the agenda. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on March 20, 2024. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Discuss and approve the commission’s potential recommendations to City Council for the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Drafts of these recommendations were introduced at the commission’s March 20, 2024 meeting; however, due to a loss of quorum during the meeting, the commission did not take action on any recommendation. Conduct officer elections for Chair and Vice Chair for one-year terms of office from May 1, 2024 to April 30, 2025. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Presentation by Michael Ward Jr. on Austin Urban Technology Movement’s tech ecosystem that eliminates poverty through expanding technology skills, apprenticeships, digital equity, workforce development, and job placement assistance in our society. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 5. Updates from the Jobs, Procurement, and Infrastructure working groups on the established focus and current findings of each group. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS ADJOURNMENT The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the American with Disabilities Act. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Meeting …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION REGULAR CALLED MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, March 20, 2024 The Economic Prosperity Commission convened in a REGULAR CALLED meeting on Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at 301 W. 2nd Street, Room 1101, Austin, Texas. Vice Chair Michael Nahas called the Economic Prosperity Commission Meeting to order at 6:37 p.m. Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance in Person: Raquel Valdez Sanchez (3), Michael Nahas (4), Luis Osta Lugo (8), Board Members/Commissioners in Attendance Remotely: Benjamin Salazar (2), Kelsey Hitchingham (10), Laura Dixon (Mayor) Absent: Tina Cannon (9), Christiana Ponder (1), Amy Noel (7) Vacancy: District 5, District 6 PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: GENERAL None present. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approve the minutes of the Economic Prosperity Commission Regular Meeting on February 21, 2024. The minutes from the meeting of February 21, 2024, were approved on Commissioner Osta Lugo’s motion, Commissioner Valdez Sanchez’s second on a 6-0 vote. Commissioners Cannon, Ponder, and Noel were absent. WORKING GROUP/COMMITTEE UPDATES 2. Updates from the Jobs, Procurement, and Infrastructure working groups. At the commission’s February 21, 2024 meeting, the working groups were asked to contribute to the commission’s budget recommendation to City Council (Agenda Item 3). The Procurement and Infrastructure working groups were not able to meet since the February 21, 2024 meeting; they have no updates. Update from the Jobs working group (Commissioners Nahas, Valdez Sanchez, Salazar): they met yesterday to discuss potential budget recommendations, talked mostly about City Council’s proposed resolution for an Austin 1 Infrastructure Academy, whose goal is to train people in construction and infrastructure jobs. They also discussed the Austin Urban Technology Movement, which offers training in the technology industry and is a potential speaker at a future commission meeting. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS 3. Discuss and approve the commission’s recommendation to City Council for the City’s FY 2024-2025 budget. Vice Chair Nahas shared with the commission potential budget recommendations related to renters, retirement programs, and sales-tax income. During this agenda item Commissioner Dixon moved off the virtual dais, creating a loss of quorum, so the commission did not take action on any potential recommendation and moved on to the remaining discussion-only items. DISCUSSION ITEMS 4. Discuss entrepreneur-in-residence programs at universities and how these programs can foster and retain talent locally. Commissioner Osta Lugo led discussion on the limited availability of these types of programs, the potential for them to be used in Austin for international students to …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240417-002A Luis Osta Lugo (8) Date: April 17, 2024 Subject: City’s FY 2024 – 2025 Budget (Renters) Motioned By: Michael Nahas (4) Seconded By: Recommendation The Budget of the City of Austin should respect renters as the equal of homeowners. Description of Recommendation to Council Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget respect renters as "Typical" residents of Austin. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" add a line for the average tax per rental unit, which includes the property tax and all other taxes and annual fees on rental properties. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" rename the line "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" to "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (homeowner)" and add a line for "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)", which includes the average taxes and fees paid per rental unit. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" include a calculation of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)" for the previous budget, Fiscal Year 2023- 24, and compute a percentage increase from Fiscal Year 2023-24 to Fiscal Year 2024-25. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" use the bottom half of the page to hold a table of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" for Austin residents at all income levels. Rows should be by household income for every 10th percentile, from bottom 10% to top 10%. City Staff should estimate what proportion of each income bracket are homeowners and renters and assign an average (mathematical mean) property tax weighted by that proportion, based on properties that income bracket would rent or own. Unless City staffCity staff may have have more detailed knowledge;, they should investigate ifcan assume that residents in the bottom 10th percentile of income uses the average (mathematical mean) of the bottom 10th percentile of residential Austin Energy usage, residential Austin Water usage, etc. Rationale: The City of Austin 2023-24 Budget's “Taxpayer Impact Statement” refers to a “Typical” Resident Ratepayer” who pays property tax with a homestead exemption and, therefore, 1 of 2 must be a homeowner. The 2023-24 budget claims that this “Typical” Austin resident owns a house worth $499,524. In fact, the City of Austin actually has a majority of renters. The U.S. Census Bureau for the time period 2017-2021 reports that only 44.7% of the housing units in Austin are owner-occupied. A household owning a property worth $499,524 is likely …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240417-002B Date: April 17, 2024 Subject: City’s FY 2024 – 2025 Budget (Retirement Programs) Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Reduce risk by moving retirement programs from pensions to defined contribution. Description of Recommendation to Council Remove risk by changing our retirement programs from pensions to defined-contribution programs. Remove risk by paying other parties to accept Austin’s existing pension liabilities. Payment could be either a series of future annual payments or an immediate payment, using funds raised by General Obligations bonds. Rationale: The City of Austin currently promises pensions to its employees. That is, we specify benefits after they retire for as long as they live. This sounds nice, but the hard truth is that we do not know the financial future. We do not know the price today of those promises. Those promises have already created a gigantic problem. The 2023-24 Budget says our unfunded actuarial accrued liabilities in 2020 were “nearly $2.4 billion”. That is more than one-and-a-half years of the annual General Fund. Every resident, adults and children, lost more than $100 benefits in Fiscal Year 2023-24 because the City of Austin spent that money fixing just 1/30th of our pension liability. Pensions are dangerous. They crippled America’s car industry. They almost ended America’s steel industry. And multiple cities have declared bankruptcy due to the burdens of pension: Detroit MI, Stockton CA, San Bernardino CA, and more. Pension programs can harm more than the City of Austin; they might harm our employees in the future who would be relying on the City of Austin for those pensions in their retirement. To ensure the City of Austin’s economic prosperity, it should not make unpredictable promises about the future. It should “pay as we go” with its employees. That means a defined contribution plan, which puts a fixed-multiple of the employee’s salary into a retirement program this fiscal year, without any promises about the future. 1 of 2 The risk from existing liabilities caused by past pension programs should be removed from the City of Austin budget. That can be done by paying a financial firm to accept the risk, in exchange for fixed future payments or a lump sum, raised with General Obligation bonds. The risk could also be removed by offering fixed or lump sum payments to holders of the pensions. Vote For: Against: Abstain: Absent: Attest: [Staff or board member can sign] 2 …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240417-002C Date: April 17, 2024 Subject: City’s FY 2024 – 2025 Budget (Sales-Tax Income) Motioned By: Seconded By: Recommendation Investigate hedging sales-tax income to reduce uncertainty and increase the budget. Description of Recommendation to Council Ask the City Manager to investigate hedging as a way to reduce the uncertainty in sales-tax income. Specifically, the City Manager should ask financial institutions how much they might bid in exchange for 80% of next fiscal-year’s sales tax revenue. If City Council accepted such an offer, the City of Austin would have a more stable and predictable income, allowing us to plan better and increase the budget. Rationale: The City of Austin’s income from sales tax is large and unpredictable. The 2023-24 Budget states that sales tax was 7% of income. But it also shows that, over the last decade, its income is unpredictable: growing 25% some years and 0% in others. But most of the City of Austin’s expenses are predictable and fixed. According to staff, “70 to 80%” of the expenses are wages, which are steady expenses. With a variable income and fixed expenses, it is easy for the City of Austin to overspend and run out of money. The result would be drastically slashing programs during the middle of a fiscal year, which would be harmful to the economic prosperity of all Austinites. The City’s staff knows about this danger and warns about it in the 2023-24 Budget: “City financial staff have long advocated thoughtfulness and restraint in projecting sales tax revenues, in the knowledge that periodic economic disruptions and resulting contractions of sales tax revenue—such as the one witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic—are inevitable.” And “… actual sales tax receipts falling short of budgeted levels can have severe repercussions with respect to maintaining a balanced General Fund budget, there are no corollary consequences should this revenue exceed projections.” The City of Austin could plan better and have a larger budget if we exchange the variable income from sales tax for a steady predictable income. That is, find a financial institution that is willing to trade: it will pay Austin a stead income in return for 1 of 2 accepting the unsteady income from sales tax. In the financial lingo, this is called “selling risk” or “hedging”. It is very common in the business world. For example, Southwest Airlines could lose a lot of money if fuel …
& A U T M H Q P R O G R A M S Austin Urban Technology Movement (AUTMHQ) is increasing diversity in tech through its workforce development tech ecosystem . Us Digital Equity Workforce Development Job Placement OUR Christian B. Darrell K. Yasenia E. During my three-month tenure at AUTMHQ, I evolved from a blind volunteer into a tech-savvy AI enthusiast. My collaboration with the supportive AUTMHQ team made my experience memorable, introducing me to the tech world and instilling a lifelong fascination with AI. I was an Austinite facing housing challenges, but I found a lifeline in AUTMHQ's digital literacy class at Operation Liberty Hill. The program gave me a laptop, hotspot, and skills to help me online so I could apply for more opportunities with the Affordable Connectivity Program, too! As a busy mom of five living near Operation Liberty Hill, I found a way to change my life in AUTMHQ's digital literacy class. The program gave me a device to support my kids’ education and gave me a passion for learning. Now, I’m excited to master Excel to manage my money and imporove my conversational English. The Problem There's a significant gap between the number of tech jobs available and the qualified individuals to fill them. The tech industry highlights: sectors. 1. Millions of unfilled tech roles across 2. Barriers for underrepresented groups to entre the tech industry, thus not meeting industry talent demand. The takeaway: There's a clear disconnect. Tech jobs are being created exponentially, but the number of talented individuals from underrepresented groups are not entering the tech field at the rate needed to meet 1. The Diversity Index Score uses the Simpson’s Diversity Index methodology, a calculation of tech occupation diversity across the 7 top level race and ethnicity groups as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. demand. 2. Job postings are a measure of employer demand for tech talent during 2022. The total figure represents job postings across the 17 tech occupations used within Cyberstates. The emerging tech job posting figure uses a basket of 15 emerging job roles and skills, such as machine learning, artificial intelligence, robotics, digital business transformation, and more. Source: Lightcast Labor Market Trends www.autmhq.org Demographics Trends Across the U.S. Zippia. "25 Trending Tech Industry Statistics [2023]: Tech Industry Demographics, Worth And More" Zippia.com. Jun. 29, 2023, https://www.zippia.com/advice/tech-industry-statistics/ The Solution: Awareness-to-Employment Pipeline Digital Equity Workforce …
ECONOMIC PROSPERITY COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION 20240417-002 Luis Osta Lugo (8) Date: April 17, 2024 Subject: City’s FY 2024 – 2025 Budget (Renters) Motioned By: Michael Nahas (4) Seconded By: Recommendation The Budget of the City of Austin should respect renters as the equal of homeowners. Description of Recommendation to Council Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget respect renters as "Typical" residents of Austin. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" add a line for the average tax per rental unit, which includes the property tax and all other taxes and annual fees on rental properties. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" rename the line "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" to "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (homeowner)" and add a line for "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)", which includes the average taxes and fees paid per rental unit. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" include a calculation of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT (renter)" for the previous budget, Fiscal Year 2023- 24, and compute a percentage increase from Fiscal Year 2023-24 to Fiscal Year 2024-25. Require that the City of Austin 2024-25 Budget's "Taxpayer Impact Statement" use the bottom half of the page to hold a table of "TOTAL YEARLY IMPACT" for Austin residents at all income levels. Rows should be by household income for every 10th percentile, from bottom 10% to top 10%. City Staff should estimate what proportion of each income bracket are homeowners and renters and assign an average (mathematical mean) property tax weighted by that proportion, based on properties that income bracket would rent or own. City staff may have more detailed knowledge; they should investigate if residents in the bottom 10th percentile of income uses the average (mathematical mean) of the bottom 10th percentile of residential Austin Energy usage, residential Austin Water usage, etc. Rationale: The City of Austin 2023-24 Budget's “Taxpayer Impact Statement” refers to a “Typical” Resident Ratepayer” who pays property tax with a homestead exemption and, therefore, 1 of 2 must be a homeowner. The 2023-24 budget claims that this “Typical” Austin resident owns a house worth $499,524. In fact, the City of Austin actually has a majority of renters. The U.S. Census Bureau for the time period 2017-2021 reports that only 44.7% of the housing units in Austin are owner-occupied. A household owning a property worth $499,524 is likely in the top 25th percentile …
